WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM
WITH PROOF TEXTS
Question 31-40

Q. 31. With whom was the covenant of grace made?

A. The covenant of grace was made with Christ as the second Adam, and in him with all the elect as his seed.[114]

Q. 32. How is the grace of God manifested in the second covenant?

A. The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that he freely provideth and offereth to sinners a Mediator,[115] and life and salvation by him;[116] and requiring faith as the condition to interest them in him,[117] promiseth and giveth his Holy Spirit[118] to all his elect, to work in them that faith,[119] with all other saving graces;[120] and to enable them unto all holy obedience,[121] as the evidence of the truth of their faith[122] and thankfulness to God,[123] and as the way which he hath appointed them to salvation.[124]

Q. 33. Was the covenant of grace always administered after one and the same manner?

A. The covenant of grace was not always administered after the same manner, but the administrations of it under the Old Testament were different from those under the New.[125]

Q. 34. How was the covenant of grace administered under the Old Testament?

A. The covenant of grace was administered under the Old Testament, by promises,[126] prophecies,[127] sacrifices,[128] circumcision,[129] the passover,[130] and other types and ordinances, which did all fore-signify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah,[131] by whom they then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation.[132]

Q. 35. How is the covenant of grace administered under the New Testament?

A. Under the New Testament, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the same covenant of grace was and still is to be administered in the preaching of the Word,[133] and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism[134] and the Lord's Supper;[135] in which grace and salvation are held forth in more fulness, evidence, and efficacy, to all nations.[136]

Q. 36. Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?

A. The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ,[137] who, being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father,[138] in the fulness of time became man,[139] and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, forever.[140]

Q. 37. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

A. Christ the Son of God became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul,[141] being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance, and born of her,[142] yet without sin.[143]

Q. 38. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be God, that he might sustain and keep the human nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God, and the power of death,[144]give worth and efficacy to his sufferings, obedience, and intercession;[145] and to satisfy God's justice,[146] procure his favour,[147] purchase a peculiar people,[148] give his Spirit to them,[149] conquer all their enemies,[150] and bring them to everlasting salvation.[151]

Q. 39. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature,[152] perform obedience to the law,[153] suffer and make intercession for us in our nature,[154] have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities;[155] that we might receive the adoption of sons,[156] and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.[157]

Q. 40. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and man in one person?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator, who was to reconcile God and man, should himself be both God and man, and this in one person, that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us,[158] and relied on by us as the works of the whole person.[159]


[114]Galatians 3:16. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Romans 5:15-21. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Isaiah 53:10-11. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

[115] Genesis 3:15. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Isaiah 42:6. I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. John 6:27. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

[116] 1 John 5:11-12. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

[117] John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 1:12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

[118] Proverbs 1:23. Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

[119] 2 Corinthians 4:13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.

[120] Galatians 5:22-23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

[121] Ezekiel 36:27. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

[122] James 2:18, 22. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.... Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

[123] 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

[124] Ephesians 2:18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

[125] 2 Corinthians 3:6-9. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

[126] Romans 15:8. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.

[127] Acts 3:20, 24. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you.... Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

[128] Hebrews 10:1. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

[129] Romans 4:11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.

[130] 1 Corinthians 5:7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.

[131] Hebrews chapters 8, 9, 10 (entire). Hebrews 11:13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

[132] Galatians 3:7-9, 14. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.... That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

[133] Mark 16:15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

[134] Matthew 28:19-20. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

[135] 1 Corinthians 11:23-25. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

[136] 2 Corinthians 3:6-9. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. Hebrews 8:6, 10-11. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.... For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. Matthew 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

[137] 1 Timothy 2:5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

[138] John 1:1, 14. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 10:30. I and my Father are one. Philippians 2:6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.

[139] Galatians 4:4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

[140] Luke 1:35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Romans 9:5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Colossians 2:9.For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Hebrews 7:24-25. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

[141] John 1:14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Matthew 26:38. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

[142] Luke 1:27, 31, 35, 42. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.... And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.... And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.... And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.Galatians 4:4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

[143] Hebrews 4:15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 7:26. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.

[144] Acts 2:24-25. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Romans 1:4. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Romans 4:25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Hebrews 9:14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

[145] Acts 20:28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Hebrews 9:14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 7:25-28. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

[146] Romans 3:24-26. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

[147] Ephesians 1:6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Matthew 3:17. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

[148] Titus 2:13-14. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

[149] Galatians 4:6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

[150] Luke 1:68-69, 71, 74. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;... That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;... That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear.

[151] Hebrews 5:8-9. Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. Hebrews 9:11-15. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

[152] Hebrews 2:16. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

[153] Galatians 4:4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

[154] Hebrews 2:14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 7:24-25. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

[155] Hebrews 4:15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

[156] Galatians 4:5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

[157] Hebrews 4:16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

[158] Matthew 1:21, 23. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.... Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 3:17. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Hebrews 9:14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

[159] 1 Peter 2:6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded

웨스터 민스터 대요리문답
31항 -40항

문 31. 은혜계약은 누구와 맺으셨는가?
답. 은혜계약은 둘째 아담이신 그리스도와 맺으시고 그 안에서 그 후손인 모든 택한 자와 맺으셨다.
(갈3:16; 롬5:15-21; 사53:10, 11)

문 32. 하나님의 은혜가 둘째 언약에 어떻게 나타나 있는가?
답. 하나님의 은혜가 둘째 언약에 나타났으니 곧 죄인들에게 중보와 그에 의한 생명과 구원을 값없이 예비하시고 제공하신 것이다. 또 그들이 중보되신 그리스도와 관계를 맺게 될 조건으로서 신앙을 요구하시고 그의 모든 택한 자에게 성령을 약속하시고 주심으로써 다른 모든 구원 은총과 함께 그들 안에 신앙을 넣어주시고 저희로 모든 거룩한 순종을 할 수 있게 하신다. 이 순종은 저희 믿음과 하나님께 대한 감사의 참된 증거요 또는 하나님께서 그들을 구원에 이르도록 정하신 길이다.
(창3:15; 사42:6, 26:27; 요일5:11, 12; 요3:16, 1:12; 잠1:23; 고후4:13, 5:14, 15; 갈5:22, 23; 겔 36:27; 약2:18, 22; 엡2:10)
문 33. 은혜계약은 항상 같은 양식으로 집행되는가?
답. 은혜계약은 항상 같은 양식으로 집행되지 않았으니 구약 시대의 집행은 신약 시대의 집행과 다른 것이었다.
(고후3:6-9)

문 34. 구약 시대의 은혜계약은 어떻게 집행되었는가?
답. 구약 시대의 은혜계약은 약속, 예언, 제사, 할례. 유월절과 기타 예표와 규례로 집행되었으니 이것들은 장차 오실 그리스도를 예시했으며 그 당시에는 택한 자로 하여금 약속하신 메시아를 굳게 믿게 하기에 충분했으며, 이 메시아로 말미암아 완전히 죄 사함도 받고 영원한 구원도 받게 된 것이었다.
(롬15:8, 4:11; 행3:20, 24; 히8:9-11, 10:1; 고전5:7; 갈3:7-9, 14)

문 35.신약 시대의 은혜계약은 어떻게 집행되는가?
답. 실상 그리스도가 나타나신 신약 시대에는 이같은 은혜계약이 그 당시나 오늘도 여전히 말씀을 전함과 세례와 성찬(성례)을 거행함으로 집행된다. 이 성례에서 은혜와 구원이 만 백성에게 보다 더 온전하게 명료하게 또 효과 있게 표시된다.
(막16:15; 마28:19, 20; 고전11:13-25; 고후3:6-18; 히8:6, 10, 11)

문 36. 은혜계약의 중보자는 누구신가?
답. 은혜계약의 유일한 중보자는 주 예수 그리스도시니 그는 하나님의 영원한 아들이시며 성부 하나님과 한 실체이시오 동등이시며 때가 차매 사람이 되셨으니 한 위에 두 가지 다른 양성을 가지신 하나님이시오 사람이시다.
(딤전2:5; 요1:1, 14, 10:30; 빌2:6; 갈4:4; 눅1:35; 롬9:5; 골2:9; 히7:24, 25)

문 37. 그리스도는 어떻게 하나님의 아들로서 사람이 되셨는가?
답. 그리스도는 하나님의 아들로서 참 몸과 지각 있는 영혼을 취하시어 사람이 되셨다. 성령의 권능으로 동정녀 마리아의 몸에 잉태되어 그에게서 나셨으나 죄는 없으시다.
(요1:14; 마26:28; 눅1:27, 31, 35, 42; 갈4:4; 히4:15, 7:26)

문 38. 왜 중보자가 반드시 하나님이어야 하는가?
답. 중보자가 반드시 하나님이어야 할 이유는 인간성을 붙들어 하나님의 무한한 진노와 사망의 권세 아래 떨어지지 않게 하시며, 그의 고난과 순종과 중보의 기도에 가치와 효력을 부여하셔서 하나님의 공의를 만족시키시기 위함이다. 또 그의 은총을 얻으사 한 특이한 백성을 사시고 자기 영을 그들에게 주시며 그들의 모든 적을 정복하시고 그들을 영원한 구원에 이르게 하려하기 때문이다.
(행2:24, 25, 20:28, 7:25-28; 롬1:4, 3:24-26, 4:25; 히9:14; 엡1:6; 마3:17; 딛2:13, 14; 갈4:6; 눅 1:68, 69, 71, 74; 히5:8, 9, 9:11-15)

문 39. 왜 중보자가 반드시 사람이어야 하는가?
답. 중보자가 사람이어야 하는 것은 우리의 성품을 붙들어 주시고 율법을 순종하시고 우리의 성품을 입고 우리를 위해 고난을 받으시고 대신 간구하시며 우리의 연약을 체휼하시기 위함이었다. 그리하여 우리로 하여금 양자의 명분을 받고 위로를 받으며 보좌 앞에 담대히 나아가게 하시기 위함이었다.
(히2:14, 16, 7:24, 25, 4:15; 갈4:4, 5)

문 40. 왜 중보자가 반드시 한 위의 하나님이시며 사람이 되어야 하는가?
답. 하나님과 사람을 화목 시켜야 할 중보자는 자신이 그 하나님과 사람이 되어야 하며 그것도 한 위에 이렇게 되어야 하는 것은 하나님께서 우리를 위해 신인 각성의 특유한 사역을 전인격의 사역으로 받아들이시게 하고 우리에게는 전인격의 사역을 의지하게 하려 함이었다.
(마1:21, 23, 3:17; 히9:14; 벧전2:6)